Weighted and Directed Network on Traveling Patterns

Abstract

The importance of weighted and directed networks is brought into discussion. On this study we analyze the arrivals of international tourism (edges) over 206 countries and territories (nodes) around the world, on the year 2004. Using tools from network theory we characterize the topology and weighted properties of the resulting network. International tourist arrivals are analyzed over in strength and out strength flows, resulting on a highly directed and heterogenetic network. Remarkably the random network of connectivity is converted into a power-law network of intensities. It is also shown how strategic positioning particularly benefit from market diversity and that interactions among countries prevail on a technological and economic pattern, questioning the backbones of traveling driving forces. The network structure may influence how tourism hubs, distribution of flows, and centralization can be explored on strategic positioning.